directive meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

directive

adj

UK /daɪˈɹɛk.tɪv/ · CA, US /dəˈɹɛk.tɪv/

Etymology From Middle French directif. The noun senses are from French directive (feminine form of the adjective).

That which directs; serving to direct, indicate, or guide.

A directive management style is stronger among owners with 'lifestyle' as a business objective than among those with business/economic objectives.2002, Colin Gray, Enterprise and Culture, page 54:

Grammar, Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences Relating to the directive case.

Derived terms: directively, directiveness, directivity, indirective, intradirective, misdirective, nondirective
Related terms: dirigible

directive

noun

Etymology From Middle French directif. The noun senses are from French directive (feminine form of the adjective).

An instruction or guideline that indicates how to perform an action or reach a goal.

Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Programming, Sciences A construct in source code that indicates how it should be processed but is not necessarily part of the program to be run.

An authoritative decision from an official body, which may or may not have binding force.

Law European Union A form of legislative act addressed to the member states. The directive binds the member state to reach certain objectives in their national legislation.

Grammar, Human sciences, Linguistics, Sciences The directive case.

Derived terms: advance directive, airworthiness directive, egg prime directive, framework directive, nondirective, prime directive